'Local players must wake up and realise that everyone needs to fight for the best version of themselves'
KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Rezal Zambery Yahya said that the growing competition for places in the national team is a healthy sign for Malaysian football.
The ex-Kelantan coach sees the increase in foreign player quota for the 2025-2026 Super League season, and the addition of five naturalised players to Harimau Malaya as developments that will only intensify the challenge for local players positively.
Rather than seeing this as a threat, Rezal urged local players to treat it as motivation to improve themselves.
"This is the trend in modern football. If players want to keep competing, they must have strong character, a good attitude, a positive mindset, and most importantly, be willing to work harder and train consistently," he said.
"If this happens, not only will individual development improve, but it will benefit the team and the country as well. The positive impact will be felt immediately."
He added that it's essential for players to adapt to the modern game, which now demands more than just natural talent.
"Local players must wake up and realise that everyone needs to fight for the best version of themselves," he said.
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